Minimum Requirements

• Open to all South African citizens

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (BEng or BSc Chemical Engineering).

• 2–6 years' post-qualification experience in an FMCG, food and beverage, consumer goods, or packaging manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production optimisation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to participate in an intensive leadership and mentoring programme.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities with the potential to lead cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse, optimise, and improve manufacturing processes to maximise efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and other best practices.
• Monitor key process performance indicators and implement corrective actions where required.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Support new product introductions, process validations, and plant optimisation projects.
• Investigate production losses and recommend sustainable engineering solutions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve yields, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Participate in capital projects and process modifications from concept through implementation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and health and safety standards.
• Prepare technical reports, process documentation, and performance analyses for management.

Leadership Development Program
Successful candidates will receive structured mentoring and leadership exposure designed to prepare them for future management responsibilities, including:

• Business Unit leadership fundamentals.
• Financial and operational management.
• Strategic decision-making.
• Team leadership and people development.
• Production planning and performance management.
• Continuous improvement and change management.
• Cross-functional project leadership.
• Executive mentoring from experienced manufacturing leaders.

Ideal Candidate Profile
You are:

• A driven and career-focused Chemical Engineer with strong leadership potential.
• Passionate about manufacturing excellence and operational improvement.
• Comfortable working with data to solve complex production challenges.
• Proactive, adaptable, and eager to take ownership of key initiatives.
• Motivated to build a long-term career within a leading FMCG organisation.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Process optimisation and plant performance analysis.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Manufacturing KPIs and OEE improvement.
• Risk assessment and process safety awareness.
• Data analysis using Excel or manufacturing reporting systems.
• Knowledge of ISO, GMP, HACCP, or food safety standards is advantageous.